Nominations are being sought for the second County Durham and Tees Valley Charity Awards.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the 2008 ceremony will be held at Middlesbrough Football Club on 2nd October.

The awards, promoted and sponsored by Hartlepool accountants Howarth Clark Whitehill and Darlington law firm Latimer Hinks, aim to celebrate the individual volunteers, fundraisers and businesses who give their time and energy to local charities as well as the charities themselves. Nominees must be within the TS, DL, DH, SR and YO postcode regions.

Partner at Latimer Hinks, Anne Elliott said: “We are proud to be a part of the awards for the second year, and to support and acknowledge the work of the region’s vibrant third sector.

“Local charity work often involves operating under severe financial constraints and with little recognition. Being nominated for an award can help to increase the profile of a charity, large or small. We would encourage as many people and organisations as possible to consider making an application for these awards – as the old saying goes, you’ve got to be in it to win it!”

Peter Olsen, partner at Horwath Clark Whitehill said: “We were very pleased with the success of the last year’s awards, and aim to continue to celebrate the fantastic work carried out by charity organisations and individuals across the Tees Valley, South Durham and North Yorkshire areas.

“There are an amazing number of people in the region involved in the charity sector, from fundraisers and charity workers through to volunteers and business supporters and it is for these people the awards are intended. We hope that people across the region will nominate both their favourite charity and the inspiring people who work selflessly behind the scenes.”